Dogbane vine - how to get rid of it?

[supernova]

I've got what looks like a Dogbane vine trying to choke my nandina and azalea in my front yard.

I worked at clearing a lot of the mess today since it was so nice outside, but I know that it will just grow back. Is there anything I can put down to get rid of it and not harm my other two plants?

Here's what it looks like:

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Good luck with that.

I am going to watch this thread, because I have that same thing and it is indestructible. It seems to get pleasure from being pulled and dug up, and comes back with more power than before. I have not used Roundup, since I don't use chemicals, but I have been tempted to try it, especially after it has been dug up and when it just starts to come back up. I just use a weedeater to keep it from getting out of control. As you can see, I gave up......but the nuclear option is still in the back of my mind.

[NJCher]

2. you can get rid of it

But here's the trick. Now, I will preface my remarks by telling you that I have not personally gotten rid of dogbane, but then I don't have it. But I used to write a gardening newsletter and on one occasion, I discussed another similar type weed and I think the protocol would be the same. The article was based on my personal experience.

First, dig out what you can. Then cover the ground with cardboard and a heavy mulch cover (5 inches, no less). I used leaves.

After that, you make an every 3-days investigation to see if it broke through your mulch layer. Start this procedure about 10 days after you lay down your mulch cover.

If it does, you simply dig it up again and replace the mulch cover with more cardboard and another layer of mulch.

This really is not an onerous treatment plan. I got rid of my nemesis relatively easy, and mine was an underground spreader that would root 9' deep.

The key is the diligence. Just make it a priority to go after it when it rears its ugly head, and you will win out.


Cher

[supernova]

3. Sounds like a plan

Thanks, Cher!

I can do that. I have plenty of stuff around for mulch and I do have cardboard.

I whacked at it again today. And probably will again this weekend. It's pernicious and many tentacled but I'm starting to see results. The azalea had been struggling under the weight, and it is now starting to right itself. I can see down to the main vine trunks.

[kurtzapril4]

4. Mulching is a good solution.

Round-up is a good solution. Just dip a paintbrush in the roundup, paint it on the stump. That way, there's no over-spray, and you're using a very minimal amount of chemical.